President Obama’s FY16 budget was released today, and it includes a request for $111 million for the Independent Living Program. This is a $5 million increase over the FY15 enacted level, and it is the first time in many years that such a request has been made.
The President’s Budget intends to strengthen middle class economics, and the Administration has acknowledged that Americans with disabilities must share in the nation’s economic prosperity. The White House has released a fact sheet entitled Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities (PDF) that outlines how the President’s Budget works toward that. In addition to the IL program funding increase, there are specific focuses on extending the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing demonstration and expanding eligibility for the Community First Choice and 1915 (I) HCBS state plan options. Additionally, the Budget addresses transition for youth with disabilities, improvements to the VR system, access to HCBS long term services and supports through ADRCs, HUD Section 811 expansion, and new transit investments.
NCIL has been pushing Congress and the Administration to invest an additional $200 million in the Independent Living program. While we are happy to see the President’s Budget request an increase, it certainly does not go far enough. Furthermore, the President’s Budget is only a request, and these increases need to make their way into the House and Senate budget resolutions as well.
The IL Program is one of our country’s most important investments, and we need to ensure that the FY16 budget includes an increase in funding. In order for this to happen, Congress needs to hear from you! Make sure our voices are heard. Call or visit your Senators and Representatives so they can better understand how vital the IL Program is to their constituents around the country. It is essential that we keep Independent Living in the conversation as Congress works to develop the FY16 budget!
Good start